WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It only comes around once every four years, and this year is one of the lucky ones. It’s Leap Year. Those born on Leap Day had a one-in-1,461 chance of being born on February 29. Two of our Leap Day birthday viewers share what it’s like to have such a special birthday.

February 29, 1928. That’s when Genevieve Mattis was born.

February 29, 1988. That’s LaCrystal McClain’s birthday.

Both Mattis and McClain get to have real birthdays this year.

“This year I’m six,” smiled McClain.

“I call it my legal birthday because of it being 21,” laughed Mattis.

But Mattis has been legal for a while now. If you count non-leap years, she’s turning 84, and McClain is 24.

“I think I’m special. I’m pretty cool because I only have a birthday every four years,” McClain said. “But being teased a lot, I didn’t like that. But I got older and got over that.”

Mattis says she doesn’t recall being teased, but she also says birthdays weren’t as big of a deal when she was young as they are now.

“The fact that other people would think of giving me a birthday party or a birthday celebration on that day, I get excited for that,” Mattis said. “I didn’t have that too much growing up.”

Both McClain and Mattis say they’re thankful for each birthday and the wisdom and joy each new year brings.

“I hope I live to see many more,” McClain said. “That’s about it, and I’ll be happy.”

“Very thankful to be here, and very thankful that I can celebrate another birthday, even though it only comes every four years,” Mattis said.

That just means every real birthday is quadruple the fun.

If you’re wondering when these girls normally celebrate, McClain said she usually does so on March 1. Mattis said she usually just goes with whatever is most convenient, either February 28 or March 1.

Both ladies say they plan on celebrating this year with family, friends and food.

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — The state of North Carolina is planning a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen at the State Capitol.

Gov. Bev Perdue’s office said the ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday. The state and the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission will salute the veterans as an acknowledgement of the service and contributions they made to the nation and the world.

Four of the original Tuskegee Airmen who now live in North Carolina and their families have been invited to the Capitol for the tribute.

The airmen were the first black pilots to serve in the US military. They trained at a segregated air base in Tuskegee, AL, and were supported by black men and women on the ground. Their exploits in World War II were chronicled in the movie “Red Tails.”